Cricket has traditionally been batsman’s game. However, as the newer generation comes in, a new definition is being given to the game itself. Bowlers are not juniors to any batting star. We shall look at the top spells in women’s cricket by bowlers in one-day international games that made batters look ordinary and spell that told everyone that bowlers are no less than anyone.
1. Sajjida Shah (Pakistan)
The bowling figure in women’s cricket goes to the land of bowling greats. A Pakistani cricketer, Sajjida Shah bowling off spins in 2003 went through the Japanese side in a manner that hasn’t been witnessed still. This came at Amsterdam which is not a traditional den for spinners. She bowled 8 overs and five maidens. Surprisingly, she conceived four runs only and got seven wickets. Her economy, in simpler terms, meant giving one run every two overs.
Wickets: 7
2. Jo Chamberlain
Second on this list, we have an English bowler from the past. It was 19th July 1991 when England women’s cricket was facing the Denmark women’s team. Jo Chamberlain was all set to swipe the Danish team clean. Jo Chamberlain also known as Jo Jordan bowled nine incredible overs. One of these nine overs was maiden, but she gave only eight runs in 54 balls. She took 7 wickets and curtailed the batting team for a mere 47.
Wickets: 7
3. Anisa Mohammed
The third best figure comes from a relatively recent encounter when the Windies were facing the Pakistani side. After posting a competitive total of 250 for Pakistani batters, West Indian off-spinner Anisa Mohammed made sure that the women in green came no closer. She bowled for 8.3 overs. Out of these eight and a half overs in her spell, she got one maiden but gave only 14 runs in total. She took 7 wickets alongside an economy of mere 1.64
Wickets: 7
4. Ellyse Perry
One of the most recent wonders in one-day internationals came from the Aussie star Ellyse Perry. Her match was against no minnows. She was facing the arch-rival English side. She completed her quota of 10 overs. Aussies posted a healthy total of 269 for the English side. Perry, however, had plans of doing something unexpected. She made sure that English side was bundled for 75. As mentioned, she bowled her 10 overs with 4 maidens and gave 22 runs. While dismissing seven English batters, she gave one of the most memorable wins for her national side. Her economy was impressive at 2.2.
Wickets: 7
5. Shelley Nitschke
The fifth entry in the list comes for Australia. Interestingly, this was against England as well. In August of 2005, S. Nitschke went through the English batting line at times when her side needed it most. English side were chasing a low total of 194 and only something special could have stopped them. The special spell came from Nitschke who bowled 7.4 overs with one maiden. She conceived 24 runs and took 7 wickets. Her economy was 3.13. The left-arm orthodox Aussie got the better of the English side. Performances like these are rare in a one-day international game where batsmen have had the upper edge.
Wickets: 7
When these highlights will reach younger female players, this could be an inspiration for millions.
| Player | Overs | Mdns | Runs | Wkts | Opposition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sajjida Shah | 8.0 | 5 | 4 | 7 | v Japan |
| JM Chamberlain | 9.0 | 1 | 8 | 7 | v Denmk |
| Anisa Mohammed | 8.3 | 1 | 14 | 7 | v PAK |
| Ellyse Perry | 10.0 | 4 | 22 | 7 | v ENG |
| S Nitschke | 7.4 | 1 | 24 | 7 | v ENG |
Stats as on 15th April 2020
A student who enjoys studying cricket more than anything else, keen to learn the insights of the women’s game.